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Prophets and artists tend to be liminal and marginal…

“Prophets and artists tend to be liminal and marginal people, "edgemen," who strive with a passionate sincerity to rid themselves of the clichés associated with status incumbency and role-playing and to enter into vital relations with other men in fact or imagination. In their productions we may…” quote by Victor Turner
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“Prophets and artists tend to be liminal and marginal people, "edgemen," who strive with a passionate sincerity to rid themselves of the clichés associated with status incumbency and role-playing and to enter into vital relations with other men in fact or imagination. In their productions we may catch glimpses of that unused evolutionary potential in mankind which has not yet been externalized and fixed in structure.”

Victor Turner

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Artists and prophets occupy boundary spaces, rejecting conventional roles to explore untapped human potential.

In simple terms: Boundary figures challenge norms to reveal hidden possibilities.

Key Takeaway

Embrace liminality to innovate.

Themes

creativity transgression potential

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical cultural

When to use this quote

  • artistic creation
  • social activism
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

ritual liminality social roles

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we support boundary‑pushing individuals?
  • What risks arise from rejecting norms?
A Different Perspective

Such marginal positions can be socially ostracized.

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